Newly promoted Oxford City have confirmed the return of goalkeeper Chris Haigh from Ebbsfleet United on a season-long loan deal, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.
The 26-year-old played a starring role in the club’s play-off campaign last season, after joining on an emergency loan deal at the end of the 2022/23 season and becoming the club’s first signing of the summer.
Who is Chris Haigh?
The goalkeeper began his career with Braintree Town, before having various Non-League spells with the likes of Merstham, Heybridge Swift and Concord Rangers, before signing for Ebbsfleet United on a free transfer in 2021.
Haigh was the club’s number one, until he suffered an horrific double leg break during a match for Ebbsfleet. In the end, Haigh managed just six appearances last season but kept clean sheets in both of the club’s play-off matches.
The start of the new chapter
Oxford City were promoted to the National League last season, following their 4-0 win against St. Albans City in the play-off final. However, their focus was tying down their key players, such as Josh Parker (ex-Charlton) and midfielder Zac McEachran.
Now, the club have begun their official preparations ahead of their first-ever season in the National League by retaining the services of a man who played a crucial role in their play-off campaign.
What’s been said?
Upon re-joining the club, Haigh spoke to the club’s website, where he stated…
’It’s going to be really enjoyable being an underdog in most of the games. It gives us a big carrot to go and get points and do well.”
Writer’s View
This season is going to be a tough campaign for Oxford City and their squad still needs a lot of improvement, but tying down players that have played a crucial role for them is a good thing for the morale within the side.
The club are almost certain to be relegation favourites this summer, which can be a significant advantage for the club because they won’t have any pressure on their shoulders.
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